Electromyographic evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract in dogs with short bowel syndrome

Seven dogs were subjected to resection of 80% of the total length of the small bowel. Seven pairs of electrodes were implanted in the seromuscular layer of the antrum and remaining small bowel. Electromyographic recordings were obtained during fasting and after milk ingestion. Slow waves were identified in all sites studied and their frequencies were 4.7 +/- 0.4/min in the antrum; 17.5 +/- 0.58/min in D1; 17.5 +/- 0.61/min in D2; 17.43 +/- 0.65/min in J1; 17.40 +/- 0.62/min in J2; 10.28 +/- 0.77/min in I1; and 9.81 +/- 0.53/min in I2. The phase III of the migrating motor complex was identified in only one recording. Ingestion of milk caused the appearance of the fed pattern in all recording sites, except the antrum. It is concluded that extensive resection of the small bowel causes reduction of the slow wave frequency in the gut distal to the resection and disappearance of phase III of the migrating motor complex.